Childs Convertible Travel Mat

ABSTRACT

A travel mat having a plurality of activities for young children attached to and distributed thereon is described. The mat is typically configured in an activity configuration to slip and/or slide over and be secured to an airline seatback tray table in such a manner that provides various activities to be enjoyed by a child when the associated tray table is in both its deployed position or in its stowed upright and latched position. The travel mat is also convertible into a tote configuration that protects and stows the various activities as well as other optional material, such as paper, crayons or children&#39;s books therein, and is easily carried by either the parent or a child. The mat can be turned inside out to convert it from the tote configuration to an activity configuration. Advantageously, the various activities and toys with the mat are protected and safely stored during transport between airplanes or between destinations.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and incorporates fully by reference the similarly entitled U.S. provisional application No. 61/226115 filed Jul. 16, 2009 having the same inventor as the present application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to play mat adapted to be secured or otherwise attached to a rigid tray, such as a commercial airline or passenger train seatback tray, comprising toys and/or activities typically for use by a child.

BACKGROUND

Traveling with young children, especially babies and toddlers, can be a trying experience. Very young children typically do not have the attention span of adults and older children and as such parents or other caretakers must regularly and seemingly constantly attend to the needs of a their needs. This problem is exasperated concerning commercial airline travel because of the confined nature of the aircraft and the relatively small space provided each passenger. Furthermore, the parents' concern that their child might scream or cry disturbing the other passengers increases the relative stress level.

To occupy the child and minimize the occurrence of undesirable outbursts, parents often bring toys or other activities to entertain the child. However, given the stringent restrictions of many commercial airlines concerning carryon baggage, a parent typically has minimal space in which to carry and store toddler toys and activities. Additionally, since the various toys and activities, a parent might bring are often not maintained in a common location in the family's residence, there is a significant risk that the parent will forget one or more toys that he/she intended to bring on the trip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exterior view of a child travel mat in a tote configuration for carrying by a child or adult according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the travel mat opened but not yet turned inside out according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front side of the travel mat after it has been turned inside out into an activity configuration for placement over a tray according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a back side of the travel mat after it has been turned inside out for placement over a tray according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a child travel mat installed on an airline seatback tray table and in use by a child according to one embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 6 comprises a series of diagrams illustrating the use of a child travel mat in conjunction with an airline seatback tray table according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention comprise a travel mat having a plurality of activities for young children attached to and distributed thereon.

At least one embodiment is configured to slip and/or slide over and be secured to a seatback tray table in such a manner that provides various activities to be enjoyed by a child when the associated tray table is in both its deployed position or in its stowed upright and latched position. In at least one variation, the mat is comprised primarily of thin flexible material, such as fabric, in the form of a generally rectangular pouch having three closed side edges and a selectively closable opening. In use, the tray table is slid into the pouch from a front edge thereof and the opening of the pouch is closed or otherwise secured around the back edge of the tray table thereby securing the mat in place and minimizing the risk that a child might dislodge it during use. Both the exterior front and back surfaces of the mat when in an activity configuration have toys/activities secured thereon such that position suitable activities are displayed and available to a child no matter whether the associated tray table is in its locked and stowed position or in its deployed position.

At least one embodiment of the travel mat is convertible into a tote/purse with handles that protects and stows the various activities as well as other optional material, such as paper, crayons or children's books therein, and is easily carried by either the parent or a child. In at least one variation that also incorporates the advantages of the preceding paragraph, the various activities and the exterior front and back surfaces of the mat when in its activity (or use) configuration form interior front and back surfaces in the tote configuration. In other words, the mat is turned inside out to convert it from the tote configuration to an activity configuration prior to sliding the mat onto a tray table. Advantageously, the various activities and toys with the mat are protected and safely stored during transport between airplanes or between destinations.

The various toys and activities provided with embodiments of the travel mat are typically configured to not only entertain a young child but also enhance his/her cognitive, speech and language and fine motor skills. Typically, the activities are secured to the surface of the mat either permanently, such as when sewed to the fabric surfaces, or removably by way or snaps, hook and loop material or other suitable means.

Other embodiments comprise the process or methodology of using various embodiments of the travel mat to entertain a child while traveling in general and specifically on an airplane. In yet other embodiments and variations, the mat can be convertible into a backpack or other carrying device, such as a waist pack, instead of a tote or purse. For instance, a backpack variation includes shoulder straps that are attached to the mat in a travel configuration in place of or in addition to handles or handle straps.

Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotes (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document including the claims unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning “either or both”.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment.

The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front, exterior, interior and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

As applicable, the terms “about” or “generally” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +−10%. Also, as applicable, the term “substantially” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +−5%. Concerning angular measurements, “about” or “generally” refers to +−10 degrees and “substantially” refers to +−5.0 degrees unless otherwise indicated. It is to be appreciated that not all uses of the above terms are quantifiable such that the referenced ranges can be applied.

The terms “toy” and “activity” are used interchangeably herein.

The terms “caregiver”, “guardian” “parent” and their various plurals are used interchangeably herein.

The term “carrying strap” as used herein refers to any implement intended and used for carrying an associated item by a person as such “carrying straps” include but are not necessarily limited to: handle straps; shoulder straps, and handles made of materials other than fabric or strapping material. Accordingly, as used herein, an injection molded rigid or semi-rigid handle is a “carrying strap” as the term is applied in this document.

The travel mat is described herein primarily in relation to an airline seatback tray. It is to be appreciated that the scope of the mat's use is not limited to just airline seatback trays. Rather, embodiments of the mat can be used with any seatback tray, such as those are provided with certain passenger trains. Further, embodiments can be used on or with stand alone trays that a user can rest on his or her lap. Accordingly, the disclosure herein and the methods described herein are intended to be applicable to other types of trays even when an airline seatback tray is specifically recited.

An Embodiment of a Convertible Travel Mat Including Activities and Toys for a Child

FIGS. 1-5 comprise illustrations of one embodiment of a convertible mat 10. It is to be appreciated that the illustrated embodiments are only exemplary and not exhaustive. Many variations exist as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art who has been given the benefit of this disclosure. Simply, the mat comprises (i) a body 12, which itself comprises a number of panels and sides forming the pouch as is described in detail below, (ii) straps/handles 14 a&b by which the mat can be carried in its tote configuration, (iii) a variety of toys/activities 32-58 for use by a child when the mat is in its activity or use configuration.

FIG. 1 is a view of the mat 10 in its tote configuration with the body 12 folded and ready for carrying; whereas, FIG. 2 is a view of the mat still in its tote configuration but with the body unfolded along a fold over bottom edge 16. Of note the location of the fold over bottom edge is clearly illustrated in FIG. 1 but is represented as dotted line in FIG. 2 only for illustrative purposes. FIG. 3 is a front side view of the mat after the pouch formed by the body has been turned inside out transforming the mat into its activity/use configuration. FIG. 4 is a backside view of the mat in the activity/use configuration.

The body of the mat comprises a plurality of fabric panels 60 a-d that have been sewn or otherwise coupled together. It is to be appreciated that in variations, the panels can be made of other types of flexible sheet materials such as non-woven sheet material or polymeric sheet. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the panels substantially comprise woven fabric made any suitable fiber material such as but not limited to cotton, nylon, and polyester. The front half of the tote's generally rectangular outer fabric panel 60 a is partially illustrated in FIG. 1 with the other back half being disposed directly behind the visible portion. The panel is folded along the bottom fold over edge 16.

Directly opposite the tote outer fabric panel is the tote inner fabric panel 60 b as shown in FIG. 2. This panel is substantially similar in dimensions as the tote outer fabric panel 60 a. The inner and outer panels are sewn or otherwise joined together along three of four adjoining edges 18 a, 18 b and 22. Fabric piping 24 may be provided along the edges to give them a more finished look. The panels are not joined along open edges 20 as these edges provide access to the interior of the mat allowing it to be turned inside out to access the toys and activities contained therein as will be become more apparent in the description below.

Sides 18 a and 18 b form respective and adjacent top sides when in the mat is in its tote configuration of FIG. 1 and comprise respective left and right sides in FIG. 2. Of particular note handle straps 14 a&b are centered along and sewn or otherwise secured to the top sides. While the handles illustrated herein comprise straps typically comprised of fabric webbing, the handles can comprise any suitable configuration as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

Also in some variations although not illustrated herein opposing fasteners, such as the hook and loop material tabs may be provided proximate the opposing top edges 18 a and 18 b on panel 60 b. These fasteners act to hold the mat in its folded tote configuration as shown in FIG. 1 when folded along fold line 16. Of note, fold line 16 is shown in dashed line in FIG. 2 for context only and is not typically visible in physical embodiments of the mat. Other types of fasteners can be utilized such as but not limited to snaps, magnetic snaps, magnets, buckles, buttons and clasps. In yet other variations, such as the illustrated variation, the fasteners can be eliminated altogether relying upon the user holding both handles to hold and maintain the mat in the tote configuration.

Along the open edges 20 of the mat on panel 60 a shown in FIG. 1 at the left and in FIG. 3 at the top on panel 60 c hook and loop material strips 26 a&b are provided to selectively secure the respective facing open edges 20 together to close the pocket formed by the respective panels and the other closed edges 18 a, 18 b & 22. The closure means 26 a&b also act to secure the mat to the seatback tray table when the mat is in its activity/use configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 3 & 4 for instance and shown in FIGS. 5 & 6. Of note, the closing means 26 a&b do not extend completely across their respective panels 60 a & 60 c proximate edges 20 but rather terminate within a few inches of the open edges' intersection with respective sides/edges 18 a&b. As best shown in FIG. 2, the end portions 30 of the closure edges 20 are concavely scalloped. The purpose of the scalloped ends is to provide clearance around the locations where a typical seat back tray mounts to the seatback tray table arms 110 as better shown in FIG. 5. The means for closing can also comprise zippers, laces, snaps, buckles or any equivalent capable of securing the panels together and closing the pocket created therebetween.

With reference to FIG. 2 a rectangular cutout portion 62 is provided along edge 22 proximate the fold location illustrated by phantom line 16. This cutout portion is provided so that when the mat is in its activity/use configuration, the mat does not interfere with the proper operation of a typical seatback tray table's closure latch. In use the portion of the tray table that interfaces with the closure latch, which is usually located on the seatback is exposed and therefore accessible to the latch permitting normal operation thereof. Of important note, however, is that in experiments performed by the inventor on prototypes, a person was able to lock and secure the seatback tray in place by pivoting the tab/lever over the fabric panels without the use of a cutout accordingly variations not having this cutout 62 are contemplated as well.

When in the tote configuration, various suitable items can be stored within the pocket such as but not limited to paper, crayons, a blanket, small stuffed animals or dolls. Furthermore, relatively flat items such as a pad of paper can be placed on the inside of the mat as formed by the tote inner panel 60 b. It is to be appreciated, as illustrated, items would be subject to sliding out of the mat along the closure edge 20 (the left edge) and the right edge 22 as both shown in FIG. 1. Variations are contemplated wherein additional hook and loop fasteners (not shown) are provided to secure the closure and right edges making the mat more purse-like with only the top edges 18 a&b being open.

Primarily, the purpose of the pocket formed by the inner and outer tote panels 60 a-d conceals the various toys and activities typically attached to the mat for a child's entertainment when the mat is converted into its activity configuration as best illustrated in FIGS. 3 & 4. To convert the mat from the tote configuration to the activity configuration, the hook and loop straps 26 a&b along the closure edges 20 are decoupled to open the associated pocket. The mat is then turned inside out until the interior surfaces of the pocket comprise the external surfaces of the mat and the formerly exterior inner and outer tote panels 60 a&b comprise the interior of the newly formed reverse pocket. The now exposed surfaces comprise fabric front and back side activity panels 60 c&d. As shown the activity panels are typically made of a similar material as the tote panels 60 a&b and are secured and joined together as well as to the tote panels along the various edges 18 a&b and 22. Markedly, the defining characteristic of the activity panels are the plurality of toys and activities attached to the surfaces thereof as are described in greater detail below.

Of important note and as can be ascertained upon examination of this disclosure, the front activity panel 60 c abuts and is configured in a direct overlying relationship with one of tote panels 60 a&b, and the back activity panel 60 d about the other of the tote panels 60 a&b. Essentially, the pockets formed by the mat comprise front and back sides that comprise a double thickness of fabric: one layer from a tote panel and one layer from an activity panel. Although not illustrated, each set of overlying panels are separated by a thin sheet of fiberfill material, typically 0.125″-0.375″ thick to provide a degree of structural integrity to the mat as well as cushioning. Variations are contemplated wherein the mat does not comprise separate mat and tote panels but rather each of the sides are comprised of a single layer of fabric. Further, in other variations where the double layer sets of panels are utilized, the fiberfill-type mat may not be used.

The mat in the activity configuration is sized to fit over a typical airline seatback tray table 102 and to be utilized to entertain a young child when the tray table is in both its deployed and retracted configurations. The mat is simply slid over an associated tray table with the tray table being receiving into the formed pocket from the mouth of the closure edge 20. The scalloped end portions 30 along the closure edges 20 permitting the mat to clear and be fit around the arms 110 of the tray such that the opposing hook and loop material strips 26 a&b can be secured together to likewise secure the mat to the tray 102 so that it does not slide off during use (see FIG. 5).

The mat is configured to have toys and activities on both front and back surfaces or panels 60 c&d thereof, such that the mat can be used while the tray table is both deployed and stowed. In general, the activities attached or otherwise coupled to the mat on its front side as shown in FIG. 3 are those that can most easily be used by a young child when the mat is in a generally horizontal orientation as shown for instance in FIG. 5. In contrast, the toy/activities secured to the back side as shown in FIG. 4 are those that can most easily be used by a young child when the mat is in a generally vertical orientation.

The toys/activities illustrated in the Figures are merely exemplary and it is to be appreciated that any number of different toys/activities may be substituted therefore. Furthermore the numbers and arrangement of the various toys/activities is also subject to change.

Referring to FIG. 3, five toys/activities are illustrated. The first toy comprises a trio of three removable dimensional stuffed fabric shapes 32 a-c that each has a hook material tab 33 b on their back sides. Corresponding pieces 33 a of loop material is sewed or otherwise secured to the front of a fabric piece 34. The fabric panel 34 in combination with the underlying activity panel 60 c to which it is sewn forms a pocket in which the child can selectively place one or more of the fabric shapes as he/she desires.

A second toy/activity comprises a buckle assembly 36 that essentially comprises a pair of opposing straps that are sewn to the panel 60 c and have respective male and female buckle sections secured to the facing ends of the strap. In use, a young child can practice his/her motor skills by opening and closing the buckle.

A third toy comprises a zipper assembly 38 that is sewn to the front activity panel 60 c. Typically, the does not provide an opening to a pocket or cavity there under but in other variations, the mat can be so arranged. Like the buckle, a young child can practice and develop his/her motor skills by opening and closing the zipper.

A fourth toy comprises a pocket 40 that is sewn or otherwise secured to the panel and further includes a fabric tongue 41 that includes a sandwiched piece of material, such as mylar or plastic sheet, that makes a crinkling sound when moved, folded or bent. The tongue is typically secured at a proximal end to a bottom of the pocket. A stuffed shape 42 is provided that is attached to the distal end of the tongue and typically includes a squeaker therein, such that the shape squeaks when compressed by the child with suitable force. In variations the stuffed shape can be permanently attached to the tongue yet in other variations the shape can be removably attached to the tongue, such as with hook and loop material. As desired by the child, the shape and associated tongue can be placed in or pulled out of the associated pocket

A fifth toy comprises a button 44 that is sewn to the front activity panel 60 c and an associated piece of fabric 45 that includes a button hole formed therein. As shown, the piece of fabric is in the shape of a flower although any suitable shape can be used. As with several of the other toys, a young child can practice his/her motors skills by securing and removing the fabric piece from the button. Typically, the fabric piece is also secured to the panel by way of a tether cord to prevent it from becoming lost.

FIG. 4 shows the back activity panel 60 d that is visible to a user when the associated seatback tray is locked in its stowed upright position (see illustration 208 on FIG. 6 for example). Four additional toys are illustrated that are configured to be used when the mat is vertically orientated. A first toy/activity on the back activity panel comprises a photo album 46 in which parents or caregivers can place photos or pictures that the applicable young child may find interesting, stimulating and/or comforting. As shown the album includes a cover 45 with a hook and loop closure strap 48 provided at one end. Accordingly, the child can derive additional enjoyment from opening and closing the album.

A second toy comprises a mirror 50, typically made from reflective metalized Mylar or some other material that would not be subject to breakage that is mounted to the panel. Accordingly, the child can gain enjoyment looking at himself or other people or things from his/her surroundings reflected therein. The mirror also includes a cover 51 with hook and loop pieces of material 53 a&b for securing the cover in its closed position, such that the mirror can be used to play a variation of peek-a-boo with the child.

A third toy comprises a string or cord 52 that is securely attached to the back activity panel at respective ends. Attached to the looped cord are a number of beads 54, rings or other suitable items that are typically colorful. Accordingly, a child can slide the items along the string and/or hit/knock them and watch their movement.

A final toy on resident on the surface of the back panel 60 d comprises a mesh pocket 56 that is sewn or otherwise attached to the panel. Aa tethered stuffed animal 58 is provided for insertion and removal from the pocket. While a stuffed animal is illustrated it can be appreciated that other stuffed shapes and/or other toys can be substituted for the illustrated stuffed bear 58.

Use of a Convertible Travel Mat Including Activities and Toys for a Child According to One Embodiment

The design of the travel mat permits the easy transport of a set of activities and toys suitable for a small child to an airplane or other form of transit without risk of losing the toys nor having to round up a number of suitable toys prior to leaving on a trip.

FIG. 6 illustrates the use of the tote in relation to an airline seatback tray table through the use of a series of simple diagrams. The mat in its tote configuration 10 as shown in diagram 202 can be easily carried by a caregiver, parent or most preferably by the young child him or herself. Furthermore, in the tote configuration a number of additional toys or materials can be placed therein, such as paper and crayons.

When the child and his caregivers have been seated on the airplane or other form of transit, the mat can be converted into the activity configuration by turning it inside out and sliding it over a seatback tray table 102 after the table has been lowered into its generally horizontal deployed position as shown in diagram 204. It is appreciated that variations of the mat are contemplated that do not form a large pocket when in the activity configuration as to slide over a tray table. Rather, some variations may include straps that can be secured around the subject tray table. However, concerning the illustrated embodiments and similar variations thereof, the mat is secured in place by closing the open edges 20 around the back edge of the tray table and securing the opposing hook and loop material strips 26 a&b.

As the child waits for the plane to taxi and take off, he/she can play with the various toys on the front side of the mat with the tray table deployed as shown in diagram 210. When the flight attendants request the tray table be stowed against the seat 110 for takeoff or any time as desired by the caregiver or the child, the caregiver can secure the seatback tray in its upright position with the typical associated latch as shown in diagram 208 permitting the child to play with the toys and activities on the back side of the mat. Of course, at any time as desired by the caregiver and/or the child and as permitted on the airplane, the tray with the mat attached thereto can be raised and lowered to give access to either the front or back set of toys.

Once the plane has landed and the child and parents are preparing to deplane (or at anytime desired by the caregivers), the closure securing the mat to the tray table can be undone and the mat can be removed from the tray table. The mat is then turned inside out to convert it back into the tote configuration; any additional items being carried therein are placed into the formed pocket(s); and the child or caregiver carries the mat off of the plane typically by the provided handles.

When home or at any other destination, the mat can be converted and used to entertain the child without having to slide it over a tray table.

Other Variations and Embodiments

The various preferred embodiments and variations thereof illustrated in the accompanying figures and/or described above are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous variations to the invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

For instance, other toys and activities than those specified herein can be used in variations. A soft-sided book can be sewn snapped or otherwise secured to the mat in place of one or more of the illustrated toys. Further, a pocket or one or more straps can be provided to secure a book to the mat, such as a child's favorite book. For older children, means to secure electronics, such as a Gameboy™ or other similar devices, can be provided in the form of hook and loop material, straps or pocket-type holders. Simply, embodiments of the mat are not to be considered limited by the particular toys and activities contained thereon unless so recited in claims. 

1. An activity travel mat comprising: first, second, third and fourth panel surfaces, the first surface being opposite and facing away from the third surface and collectively forming a first panel section with the third surface, the first panel section having first panel left, right, top and bottom edges, the second surface being opposite and facing away from the fourth surface and collectively forming a second panel section with the fourth surface, the second panel section having second panel left, right, top and bottom edges with the first and second panel sections being joined together along respective lengths of the second, third and fourth edges forming a pouch having an open top end formed by the respective top edges; a plurality of activities coupled to one or more of the third and fourth surfaces; wherein the activity mat is selectively configurable between a tote configuration and an activity configuration with (i) the first and second surfaces being exposed to the outside of the pouch in the tote configuration and the third and fourth surfaces located on the inside of the pouch, and (ii) the third and fourth surfaces and the plurality of activities being exposed to the outside of the pouch in the activity configuration and the first and second located on the inside of the pouch.
 2. The travel mat of claim 1, further comprising at least one carrying strap, the carrying strap being secured to the pouch and wherein the at least one carrying strap is exposed to the outside of the pouch in the tote configuration.
 3. The travel mat of claim 1 further including one or more closures for closing the top end of the pouch.
 4. The travel mat of claim 4 wherein the one or more closures comprise hook and loop material.
 5. The travel mat of claim 1 wherein the pouch in the activity configuration is sized to be received over a standard airline tray table.
 6. The travel mat of claim 1 wherein the mat is transformed from the tote configuration and the activity configuration by turning the pouch inside out.
 7. The travel mat of claim 1 wherein the plurality of activities comprise toy/activities configured for a child under 24 months of age.
 8. The travel mat of claim 1, wherein the first and second panels comprise flexible sheet material.
 9. The travel mat of claim 8 wherein the flexible sheet material comprises fabric.
 10. The travel mat of claim 1 wherein a cutaway section is provided along the bottom edge of the first and second panels proximate a center location along the respective edges whereby the cutaway section is configured to permit operative access to an airline tray table latch when the mat is installed on an airline tray table.
 11. The travel mat of claim 8 wherein the each of the first and second panels include at least two sheets of fabric.
 12. The travel mat of claim 11 wherein piping is provided along at least the joined respective joined second, third and fourth edges.
 13. The travel mat of claim 2 wherein the at least one carrying strap comprises a first handle strap secured to the mat proximate the joined left edges of the respective first and second panels and a second handle strap secured to the mat proximate the joined right edges of the respective first and second panels.
 14. The travel mat of claim 1 wherein the plurality of activities includes at least one activity coupled to the third surface and at least one other activity coupled to the fourth surface.
 15. A method of using the travel mat of claim 1, the method comprising: carrying the travel mat onto an airliner while in the tote configuration; turning the pouch inside out exposing the third and fourth panel surfaces and the associated activities placing the travel mat into an activity configuration; deploying an airline tray table and sliding the pouch in the activity configuration over the airline tray table; and using one or more activities of the plurality of activities.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the travel mat further includes one or more closures for closing the top end of the pouch, and further comprising closing the one or more closures to secure the travel mat to the airline tray table after said sliding the pouch in the activity configuration over the airline tray table.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising securing the airline tray table in its upright and stowed position while the travel mat is resident over the tray table in the activity configuration, and using one or more other activities of the plurality of activities while the airline tray table is stowed.
 18. A method of making the travel mat of claim 1, the method comprising: providing first and second panel sections; providing a plurality of activities; joining the left, right and bottom edges of the respective panel sections together; and coupling the plurality of activities to the third and fourth surfaces.
 19. A child activity travel mat comprising: first, second, third and fourth panel surfaces, the first surface being opposite and facing away from the third surface and collectively forming a first panel section with the third surface, the first panel section having first panel left, right, top and bottom edges and being substantially comprised of at least two sheets of fabric, the second surface being opposite and facing away from the fourth surface and collectively forming a second panel section with the fourth surface, the second panel section being substantially comprised of at least two stacked sheets of fabric and having second panel left, right, top and bottom edges with the first and second panel sections being joined together along respective lengths of the second, third and fourth edges and covered with piping to form a pouch having an open top end formed by the respective top edges, the open end including a closure comprised of hook and loop material for selectively closing the open top end, the joined bottom edges including a cutaway section proximate a center location along the respective edges; a first handle strap secured to the mat proximate the joined left edges of the respective first and second panels and a second handle strap secured to the mat proximate the joined right edges of the respective first and second panels; and a plurality of activities coupled to one or more of the third and fourth surfaces; wherein the activity mat is selectively configurable between a tote configuration and an activity configuration by turning the pouch inside out with (i) the first and second surfaces and the at least one carrying strap being exposed to the outside of the pouch in the tote configuration and the third and fourth surfaces located on the inside of the pouch, and (ii) the third and fourth surfaces and the plurality of activities being exposed to the outside of the pouch in the activity configuration and the first and second located on the inside of the pouch.
 20. The travel mat of claim 19 wherein activities including two or more activities from the following list: (i) a photo album; (ii) a mirror; (iii) a pocket; (iv) buckle assembly; (v) a zipper assembly; (vi) a button assembly; and (vii) a stuffed figurine. 